Gloria Marandu
CEO and Founder at AQ Studio- Claim this Profile
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English Native or bilingual proficiency
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Swahili Native or bilingual proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Sarah Harry-Isaacs
It was a pleasure working with Gloria this year (2021). She very well combined her academic skills with her passion for growing audiences. She was able to adapt to the challenges that involve leading a start-up, in the midst of a pandemic, and ensuring goals were met where possible. Having her as a direct point of contact and being able to express my concerns where I felt necessary was a true relief, as her honesty and support never went unnoticed. Any company or organisation would be lucky to have someone like Gloria on their team. - Sarah
Holly Choules
Gloria is a skilled CEO who can lead a team in a professional and organised manner, making her a pleasure to work with. She manages tasks effectively and showcases strong communication skills throughout the workday.
Marian Ifeanyi Okogwu
I’ve enjoyed working with Gloria for just shy of a year now. She is a proactive and passionate individual who works with enthusiasm and set goals in mind. She has delivered exceptional measurable results on social media, digital and influencer-led projects within Marmalade & I’m excited to see how she will continue to evolve in her career!
Sarah Harry-Isaacs
It was a pleasure working with Gloria this year (2021). She very well combined her academic skills with her passion for growing audiences. She was able to adapt to the challenges that involve leading a start-up, in the midst of a pandemic, and ensuring goals were met where possible. Having her as a direct point of contact and being able to express my concerns where I felt necessary was a true relief, as her honesty and support never went unnoticed. Any company or organisation would be lucky to have someone like Gloria on their team. - Sarah
Holly Choules
Gloria is a skilled CEO who can lead a team in a professional and organised manner, making her a pleasure to work with. She manages tasks effectively and showcases strong communication skills throughout the workday.
Marian Ifeanyi Okogwu
I’ve enjoyed working with Gloria for just shy of a year now. She is a proactive and passionate individual who works with enthusiasm and set goals in mind. She has delivered exceptional measurable results on social media, digital and influencer-led projects within Marmalade & I’m excited to see how she will continue to evolve in her career!
Sarah Harry-Isaacs
It was a pleasure working with Gloria this year (2021). She very well combined her academic skills with her passion for growing audiences. She was able to adapt to the challenges that involve leading a start-up, in the midst of a pandemic, and ensuring goals were met where possible. Having her as a direct point of contact and being able to express my concerns where I felt necessary was a true relief, as her honesty and support never went unnoticed. Any company or organisation would be lucky to have someone like Gloria on their team. - Sarah
Holly Choules
Gloria is a skilled CEO who can lead a team in a professional and organised manner, making her a pleasure to work with. She manages tasks effectively and showcases strong communication skills throughout the workday.
Marian Ifeanyi Okogwu
I’ve enjoyed working with Gloria for just shy of a year now. She is a proactive and passionate individual who works with enthusiasm and set goals in mind. She has delivered exceptional measurable results on social media, digital and influencer-led projects within Marmalade & I’m excited to see how she will continue to evolve in her career!
Sarah Harry-Isaacs
It was a pleasure working with Gloria this year (2021). She very well combined her academic skills with her passion for growing audiences. She was able to adapt to the challenges that involve leading a start-up, in the midst of a pandemic, and ensuring goals were met where possible. Having her as a direct point of contact and being able to express my concerns where I felt necessary was a true relief, as her honesty and support never went unnoticed. Any company or organisation would be lucky to have someone like Gloria on their team. - Sarah
Holly Choules
Gloria is a skilled CEO who can lead a team in a professional and organised manner, making her a pleasure to work with. She manages tasks effectively and showcases strong communication skills throughout the workday.
Marian Ifeanyi Okogwu
I’ve enjoyed working with Gloria for just shy of a year now. She is a proactive and passionate individual who works with enthusiasm and set goals in mind. She has delivered exceptional measurable results on social media, digital and influencer-led projects within Marmalade & I’m excited to see how she will continue to evolve in her career!
Credentials
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MOS: Excel 2007
Crawford College
Experience
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AQ Studio
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Tanzania
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Marketing Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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CEO and Founder
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Dec 2022 - Present
AQ Studio is a creative digital marketing studio that's changing the game for premium hotels, founders and social commerce lifestyle brands. We specialise in the development and implementation of visual branding and storytelling strategies, influencer marketing strategies, and digital marketing campaign strategies. Here I build and manage a high-performance team of creative professionals to deliver exceptional results for clients. AQ Studio is a creative digital marketing studio that's changing the game for premium hotels, founders and social commerce lifestyle brands. We specialise in the development and implementation of visual branding and storytelling strategies, influencer marketing strategies, and digital marketing campaign strategies. Here I build and manage a high-performance team of creative professionals to deliver exceptional results for clients.
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Co-Founder and Non-Executive Director
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Sep 2017 - Present
* I co-founded the OIA Gives (Only In Africa Gives) result-driven charity organization that helps support education for less privileged children and youths in Africa by fundraising, sponsoring education, and providing access to basic necessities like clean water, food and clothes. * I serve as a non-executive director and provide guidance on strategic planning and fundraising activities. * I co-founded the OIA Gives (Only In Africa Gives) result-driven charity organization that helps support education for less privileged children and youths in Africa by fundraising, sponsoring education, and providing access to basic necessities like clean water, food and clothes. * I serve as a non-executive director and provide guidance on strategic planning and fundraising activities.
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Freelancer
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Software Development
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1 - 100 Employee
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Influencer Talent Manager
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Dec 2020 - Jan 2022
* I worked as a freelance talent manager for Kika Osunde, a luxury beauty, fashion and lifestyle influencer.* I devise strategies that grew Kika's social media channels from 104K on Instagram to now 229k with a 6% engagement rate, and 189k on Snapchat to now 450k. I got her verified on both platforms and brokered partnerships with top brands such as Alexander Wang, Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Pangania, Pragnell, Linda Farrow, Dior, Telfar, and Chanel.
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Social Media Manager
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Jan 2016 - Apr 2021
Typical work activities include:- Developing a strong understanding of my client's products and services; both B2B and B2C- Developing creative original content ideas and concepts- Putting together detailed monthly social media calendars for approval- Writing creative, focused, and engaging captions for clients' Instagram accounts such as Fraya and Bailey.- Posting daily on Instagram Stories, Reels, IGTV, and IG Live- Overseeing clients' interactions with the public through implementing monthly content strategies- Researching the latest online trends- Managing clients' Instagram visual appearance and community.- Implementing paid and organic social strategies- Preparing a suite of monthly KPI reports tracking growth, engagement, and performance- Fine-tuning paid social media platforms, ensuring that the client is achieving outstanding ROI levelsClients Include:- Frey + Bailey, OIA Gives, OIA TribeAchievements:- Grew Freya + Baily's Instagram following from 2000 followers to 8,000 followers in 5 months. Show less
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Content Strategist
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Jan 2016 - Apr 2021
Typical work activities include:Researching industry-related topics, what’s trending, and what’s important to client's audiencesCollaborating with cross-functional internal teams or external creative vendors to seek creative ideas and provide inputDeveloping detailed creative briefs based on ideas discussed in brainstorming sessions with clientsDeveloping marketing and social media campaigns and strategies, including budget planning, content ideation, and implementation schedulesDeveloping a tone of voice and copy guidelinesSupervising the entire creative process, guiding art direction, messaging, schedules, and expected deliverables.Planning, managing, and activating end-to-end content-led campaigns, promoting content across all channels including paid advertising, media partners, social mediaSupporting in helping identify, secure and manage a variety of influencers for marketing campaigns and concept launchesManage photo/video shootsClients Include:Frey + Bailey, Morukuru Family, OIA Gives, OIA Tribe, Zawadi House Lodge, Show less
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Social Media Influencer and Visual Content Creator
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Jan 2016 - Dec 2020
Typical work activities include:- Producing, planning, and publishing quality tailored photoshoots, videos, and engaging visual campaigns for the clients under my Instagram account @gloriahmaranduClients Include:- Jim + Henry, Sava Organics, Lush Cosmetics, Madison Braids, Butter Box, Kara Nails, Emperor Adventures, Trip Zapp, Frey + Bailey, Morukuru, Consciously Connected Travel, BrightAchievements:- Featured in Black Travel Club, Trip In Africa, Unzip Tanzania, Travel Afrique, Chop Daily, Consciously Connected Travel, Only Human, and Wolf and Badger. Show less
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E-Commerce merchandise planner
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Jan 2016 - May 2019
Typical work activities include:- Planning and launching relevant landing pages to promote new arrivals- Maintaining and optimizing category pages according to product assortment- Managing purchase ordersIdentifying and implementing opportunities to improve sales- Implementing a robust marked-sown strategy for old stock- Forecasting sales and inventory on a monthly basisClients Include:- Ms. Glowy
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Marmalade Ventures
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United Kingdom
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Technology, Information and Media
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1 - 100 Employee
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Chief Executive Officer
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Apr 2021 - Oct 2021
* Worked my way from the Head of Talent Management of Marmalade Collective to CEO of Marmalade Ventures within a couple of months.* Rebranded Marmalade Collective from an influencer marketing and talent management agency to a digital media company.* Brokering partnerships with influencers, photographers, videographers, event planners, publishers, and brands.* Launched 10 campaigns for brands and 1 internal campaign called beyond black for Marmalade.* Oversee operations, sales and marketing, and business development functions of the company. Show less
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Head Of Talent Management
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May 2020 - Apr 2021
Typical work activities include:- Identifying, liaising with, and bringing onboard influencers- Managing and maintaining strong relationships between the agency and current talent on the roster as well as clients.- Planning and presenting pitches to secure new opportunities for our roster.- Planning and presenting pitches to secure new opportunities for our roster.- Negotiating brand collaborations across Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & more- Leading and managing all the day-to-day business affairs of our roster.- Develop our roster's social strategy and online image- Leading all social media-related work, including creating visual content for use on social- Administrating the day-to-day management of all Marmalade social media accounts.- Reporting back to clients on the performance of campaignsAchievements:- Built and maintained a roster of 30 influencers spanning a total reach of 168 million followers- Increased the Instagram following by 1,100 organic followers from the 24th April 2020 to 16 Oct 2020 Show less
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Co-Founder
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Apr 2017 - Jan 2020
In 2017, I co-founded Only in Africa Ltd, an Afrocentric clothing brand inspired by my travels, experiences, and the people I met whilst in Africa. Typical work activities include: - Developing internal workflows and processes - Sourcing and selecting supplier partners - Managing finances - Leading all the marketing-related activities which included advertising on social media - Solving customer-facing challenges and problems. In 2017, I co-founded Only in Africa Ltd, an Afrocentric clothing brand inspired by my travels, experiences, and the people I met whilst in Africa. Typical work activities include: - Developing internal workflows and processes - Sourcing and selecting supplier partners - Managing finances - Leading all the marketing-related activities which included advertising on social media - Solving customer-facing challenges and problems.
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The University of Hull
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United Kingdom
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Civic and Social Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Engagement / Entrepreneurship Intern
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Feb 2019 - Jul 2019
At Start-up Hull I was part of a small team that provided students & graduates advice, inspiration, and motivation to start and run a business. I supported the team through the development of materials, managing social media, supporting event organization, and wider administrative support. Typical work activities include: - Promoting and raising awareness of entrepreneurship services, events, and graduate entrepreneurs to students across the University Campus. - Leading the development of a peer-to-peer group for student and graduate entrepreneurs and students with business ideas. - Developing social media to engage academics, students, and other stakeholders Shaping and developing materials and resources for student start-ups and support with wider marketing of entrepreneurship. - Supporting with the administration of start-up grants, competitions, and other initiatives. - Undertaking training and attending events deemed necessary for the role. Achievements: - Pioneering the first-ever peer-to-peer support network for student entrepreneurs at the University of Hull. This network provided critical opportunities for budding entrepreneurs to learn and grow through peer-to-peer learning, workshops, and connections to experts. - Attained a 19400% growth in impressions on @Startuphull Instagram within a 7-month period. Show less
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E-Commerce merchandise planner
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Jan 2016 - May 2019
Typical work activities include: - Planning and launching relevant landing pages to promote new arrivals - Maintaining and optimizing category pages according to product assortment - Managing purchase orders - Identifying and implementing opportunities to improve sales - Implementing a robust marked-sown strategy for old stock - Forecasting sales and inventory on a monthly basis Typical work activities include: - Planning and launching relevant landing pages to promote new arrivals - Maintaining and optimizing category pages according to product assortment - Managing purchase orders - Identifying and implementing opportunities to improve sales - Implementing a robust marked-sown strategy for old stock - Forecasting sales and inventory on a monthly basis
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Manufacturing Production Operative
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Jul 2018 - Jan 2019
Responsible for a wide range of roles within the fruit and nut processing departments including operating and setting up CNC production machinery according to the production requirements for the day, weighing, mixing /blending, filling machines with fruits/ nuts, packing, palliating and shrink-wrapping produce (manually), labeling finished goods, completing quality checks on labels and produce quality and appearance, occasional industrial cleaning of equipment and work areas to food hygiene standards using jet washing equipment. Show less
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Nottingham Trent Print Shop
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United Kingdom
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Book and Periodical Publishing
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Assistant Store Manager
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Sep 2015 - Nov 2015
Responsible for co-ordinating the overall day to day running of the shop. i.e.: copying, printing, mounting, laminating, binding, etc. In charge of meeting and greeting customers, dealing with customer complaints and comments, as well as promoting seasonal offers Responsible for co-ordinating the overall day to day running of the shop. i.e.: copying, printing, mounting, laminating, binding, etc. In charge of meeting and greeting customers, dealing with customer complaints and comments, as well as promoting seasonal offers
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Trainee Hotel Operations Manager
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Feb 2015 - Jun 2015
Typical work activities include: - Working across all departments in the hotel to ensure a great guest experience - Orchestrating the Ground Floor team enabling a culture of excellence - Providing support to the team in delivering our business goals and objectives - Inspiring and motivating the team to exceed guests' expectations wherever possible. - Identifying opportunities for improving performance and maximizing efficiency - Engaging and talking to guests - Promoting and marketing the business; - Maintaining financial records - Monitoring staff - Dealing with guest complaints and comments - Carrying out inspections of property and services - Supervising maintenance and supplies - Scheduling regular meetings with the team to coordinate and monitor the progress of business strategies. Show less
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West Coast
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Farming
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1 - 100 Employee
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Retail Sales Associate
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Dec 2013 - Jul 2014
West Coat was a retail store selling both men and women apparel located in the intu Victoria Centre, in Nottingham. Achievements: (1) Become the top sales performer with my first month at West Coat (2) Constantly met and exceeded daily sales targets My Responsibilities included: • Delivering an excellent in store experience for customers • Providing customers with product knowledge • Handling payments by cash or card • Maintaining the visual appearance of the store • Managing inventory and stock shelves • Helping customers to find the goods they want • Serving and advising customers on the availability of stock and any special promotions Show less
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Junior Marketing Consultant & Account Clerk
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Apr 2013 - Sep 2013
Typical work activities include: - Processing of accounts payable transactions - Receiving and verifying invoices - Verifying that transactions comply with financial policies and procedures - Processing backup reports after data entry - Managing the weekly cheque run - Maintaining a listing of accounts payable - Maintaining updated vendor files and file numbers - Printing and distributing monthly financial reports - Collecting market, competitor, and internal research - Keeping the marketing database up-to-date - Suggesting new initiatives and areas of improvement - Influencing the development of web-related campaigns Show less
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MTN
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United States
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Advertising Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Mobile Sales Service Representative
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Jul 2012 - Jun 2013
Responsibilities: • Selling mobile handsets • Communicate to the customer MTN value added services • Presenting brochures and samples • Providing information on any available discounts or offers • Answering questions on the products or services that are being sold • Resolves customer complaints by investigating problems; developing solutions; and making recommendations to management. • Maintains professional and technical knowledge • Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. Show less
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Seeff Properties
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South Africa
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Real Estate
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700 & Above Employee
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Real Estate Intern
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Jul 2011 - Sep 2011
Responsibilities: • Collecting data on the local market and presenting regularly to the commercial real estate team • Working within teams of associates to analyse data and prepare analyses to present to upper-level management • Assisted in marketing the building space available for lease Responsibilities: • Collecting data on the local market and presenting regularly to the commercial real estate team • Working within teams of associates to analyse data and prepare analyses to present to upper-level management • Assisted in marketing the building space available for lease
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Real Estate Intern
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Nov 2010 - Jan 2011
Responsibilities: • Inspecting properties with supervisor to gain experience in recognising desirable and undesirable features • developing layouts, plans, sketches, and photography for other media • Preparing advertising copy • Performing functions relating to property management such as for example, showing apartments for rental, telephone answering assignments, maintaining records and clerical work on listings, bringing comparable files up-to-date, or handling direct mail, etc. Responsibilities: • Inspecting properties with supervisor to gain experience in recognising desirable and undesirable features • developing layouts, plans, sketches, and photography for other media • Preparing advertising copy • Performing functions relating to property management such as for example, showing apartments for rental, telephone answering assignments, maintaining records and clerical work on listings, bringing comparable files up-to-date, or handling direct mail, etc.
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Truworths
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South Africa
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Retail
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700 & Above Employee
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Retail Salesperson
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Jun 2010 - Jul 2010
Responsibilities: • Delivering an excellent in store experience for customers • Provide customers with product knowledge • Serve and advise customers • Maintain the visual appearance of the store • Assisted customers in fitting room • Advise on the availability of stock and any special promotions • Opened and closed the store Responsibilities: • Delivering an excellent in store experience for customers • Provide customers with product knowledge • Serve and advise customers • Maintain the visual appearance of the store • Assisted customers in fitting room • Advise on the availability of stock and any special promotions • Opened and closed the store
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Omni Constructions Company Inc.
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United States
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Construction
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1 - 100 Employee
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Strategic Marketing Intern
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Feb 2009 - Sep 2009
Responsibilities: • Shadowing the company’s business managers and financial analysts • Assisted in putting together market research • Monitors competition by gathering current marketplace information on pricing, products, new products • develop new marketing strategies • Recommends changes in products, service, and policy by evaluating results and competitive developments. Responsibilities: • Shadowing the company’s business managers and financial analysts • Assisted in putting together market research • Monitors competition by gathering current marketplace information on pricing, products, new products • develop new marketing strategies • Recommends changes in products, service, and policy by evaluating results and competitive developments.
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Education
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2015 - 2019
The University of Hull
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Management (Focus: Entrepreneurship) -
2013 - 2014
Nottingham Trent University
Master's degree, Real Estate -
2010 - 2013
Monash University
Bachelor of Business Science (BBusSci), Marketing & Management -
2003 - 2008
Crawford College
National Senior Certificate (NSC), Matriculant Certificate
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